Kirkstall Forge Leeds

Now, I am the last to write the history of the women of Kirkstall Forge out of any story. It was, after all, Betty Beecroft who was the driving force behind the acquisition of the run-down and largely derelict forge in the 1770s. However, we have a specific question to ask people - do you know any of the 40 year men? The forge took photos of the men when they reached 40 years service and we would love to know their stories. Some of the negatives have names etched on to them, others we can identify from the catalogues but there are more that are yet to be named and for all of them we would love to know their stories.

Please visit the Kirkstall Forge facebook page to see if you recognise a father, uncle, grandfather, brother or even yourself!